This beloved SoCal attraction will open its doors this season with brand new luscious landscaping and must-see renovations.

See the display gardens developed by the San Diego Master Gardeners.

Get lost in the fragrant sweet pea maze with new pathways.

Learn about composting and gardening in our new greenhouses that will offer classes for local elementary students and residents.

Enjoy our new picnic area where you may bring in your own food or enjoy the array of delectable food that is available at The Flower Fields.

This flower paradise not only welcomes tourists and local visitors but all those lovely couples searching for a place to share their nuptials. The centerpiece of the Carlsbad Ranch wedding experience is the newly renovated Paul Ecke Jr. Barn that provides an informal and inviting 200-seat reception hall. Behind this charming barn are the brand new one-of-a-kind, flower-ensconced wedding stage, water wall, and trellis guaranteed to create the storybook setting for this romantic event. This central ceremony area is flanked by three separate themed gardens – the Reception Garden with cabana style beverage station and fire pit, the Mediterranean Garden with columned pergola and fountain, and the Whimsical Garden with weeping willows and plants with romantic flair – all well suited for serving cocktails, receiving guests and live entertainment.

In addition to the renovations, the fields are blazing with colorful roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms and a greenhouse full of poinsettias. Guests can enjoy a variety of events during regular hours and off hours including the new Sunset Wine Tasting & Music at The Flower Fields!

Located in North San Diego County and nestled in the heart of one of the most beautiful and productive working flower ranch areas in North America, Carlsbad Ranch is located less than one half-mile from the ocean, within five minutes of several prominent hotels, and a short drive from two international airports (Orange County and San Diego).

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 13, 2018. The Flower Fields provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 60+, $8 for children 3–10 and free for children under the age of 2. Season passes and group tours are also available.

03.01.17 The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® Opens March 1st

March 1, 2017.

The spectacular display of color at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® is now open to the public!

The beloved springtime attraction invites visitors of all ages to frolic through 50 acres of vibrant flowers that bloom on a rolling hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad, CA. It’s an escape from the ordinary into one of nature’s wonders.

During this time, families and friends can enjoy the ultimate experience and participate in any of the various activities and events such as an open-air wagon ride, Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, Artist Gardens, Santa’s Playground, Water Wise Growing Exhibit, and getting lost in the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze. Guests will also have a look at the brand new greenhouse display of the poinsettia, which has become the most popular symbol of Christmas today.

Media Day

The Flower Fields will host a Media Day on Thursday, March 16 from 10:30am –1:00pm. Media will have access to The Flower Fields, antique tractor rides, photo and video opportunities, interviews and an exclusive first-look at the brand new greenhouse display on the evolution of the poinsettia. This is a unique opportunity to see as the poinsettia normally only blooms during the winter cycle months. To RSVP, email amy@imwagency.com.

After-Hours Events

In addition to the many exhibits and daily activities, The Flower Fields is proud to announce several exclusive after-hours events including:

• The Fashion, Flowers, & Fido Show: A night packed with delicious food, fresh brews, friendly pups, fashion, and of course gorgeous flowers. This dog-friendly event is a unique fashion show catered to those who enjoy designer brands, doggie dates, and the rush of the runway. The event takes place at The Flower Fields’ barn on Thursday, April 6th from 6:30pm – 9:30pm in partnership with Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and Animal Pet Care. Visit the website for more information.

• Field to Vase Dinner: Back again this year, the Field to Vase dinner is held in the middle of the 50 acres of giant Ranunculus fields. Attending guests will have a chance to treat themselves to the experience of a lifetime and make a personal connection between flowers, friends, food, music, and agriculture. Talented chefs from Bistro West will be creating breathtaking artisanal meals along with multi-talented entrepreneur, author and floral designer, Carly Cylinder, who will be designing and creating floral arrangements throughout the dinner. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets for this event on April 20th and 21st, visit the Eventbrite website to learn more.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 14, 2017. The Flower Fields provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $7 for children 3–10 and free for children under the age of 2. Season passes and group tours are also available.

CARLSBAD, California (January 9, 2017) — Springtime is here, and for ten weeks, 50 acres of the rolling hillsides in Carlsbad, CA are adorned with giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers transforming the landscape into a solid expanse of vibrant banded color at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®.

This spring, The Flower Fields is debuting a new greenhouse blooming with a historical display on the evolution of the poinsettia. This is a special treat for all visitors as the flower normally only blooms during the winter! The Ecke family, who owns The Flower Fields, originally cultivated the bright scarlet poinsettia flowers. Because the poinsettia blooms during the winter cycle months, Albert Ecke decided that they would make an ideal official holiday flower. Beginning in 1911, the Ecke family started marketing poinsettias as a Christmas flower in the US.

From 1923 until 1966, the main business for the Paul Ecke Ranch was producing field grown poinsettia mother plants in Encinitas and shipping them across the country in railroad boxcars to greenhouse growers. Since then, the poinsettias have been displayed on popular shows such as the “Tonight Show” and Bob Hope Christmas specials. “Johnny [Carson] would be sitting there during the holiday season, and there would be this beautiful backdrop of poinsettias,” Ecke’s son shared.

In addition to the poinsettia, the fields are blazing with colorful roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms and petunias to name a few. The fields will feature a variety of events on the weekends for the whole family including: Girl Scout Day, Canon Photography Workshop, Blues Day, Bonsai Show and Sale, and will wrap it up with a colorful Mother’s Day Celebration.

Dating back to the 1960s, the fields you see today are a direct result of nearly 100 years of floral cultivation. The Flower Fields continue to showcase nature’s artistry as one of the largest flower displays in the world. Hosting over 160,000 visitors every season, this colorful attraction invites people from all over Southern California to listen to live music most weekends and take a tractor ride through the colorfully radiant fields.

For tickets, visit the new mobile-friendly website www.theflowerfields.com/get-tickets. For more information, please call 760.431.0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 14, 2017. The Flower Fields provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $7 for children 3–10 and free for children under the age of 2. Season passes and group tours are also available.

03.22.16 Recent Rains Spur Spectacular Color at The Flower Fields

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Visitors Encouraged to Catch Early Display of Vibrant Blooms

CARLSBAD, California (March 22, 2016) — The recent SoCal rains and El Niño weather have spurred a spectacular display of color at The Flower Fields with blooms coming in earlier than originally expected. The beloved springtime attraction typically blooms from late March through early May, but the vibrant color is coming in ahead of schedule due to the El Niño weather conditions. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Flower Fields now to enjoy 90% of the bloom for the first days of spring and Easter weekend.

About The Flower Fields

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 8, 2016

There are special events on the weekends including live musical

performances and photography workshops for all attendees. The Flower Fields

provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people

with disabilities. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $7 for

children 3–10 and free for children under two. Season passes and group tours are

03.10.16 Get Ready For The 1st Day of Spring!

Thursday, March 10, 2016

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH® IS HOSTING MEDIA DAY

ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16TH 10:00AM-1:00PM

CARLSBAD, California – March 10, 2016. The first day of spring and Easter are right around the corner. On Wednesday, March 16th from 10:00am-1:00pm The Flower Fields will provide special media access to the property with tractor rides and golf carts. Fred Clarke, General Manager of The Flower Fields and Paul Ecke III, a local grower from the SD area, will be available for interviews.

NOTE: For media that attends The Flower Fields on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, complementary meal passes to TWENTY/20 at Sheraton will be provided for breakfast or lunch. TWENTY/20 is a 4-minute drive from The Flower Fields property. To RSVP contact Angelica Banales at angelica@imwagency.com.

Available for Interviews:

Fred Clarke

Fred Clarke, General Manager of The Flower Fields will be available for any questions related to the ranunculus, other floral varieties and the ranch. Media can be guided through the fields on a personal golf cart tour with Mr. Clarke.

Paul Ecke III

Mr. Ecke is a third-generation grower in the San Diego area and is involved with the overall experience at The Flower Fields and North 40 urban farm project adjacent to The Flower Fields. His family story stems back to the 1920s where his Grandfather grew poinsettias along Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, to the 1960s when the Paul Ecke Ranch had poinsettias featured on The Tonight Show and Bob Hope’s Christmas Specials, making Poinsettias a staple of the American Holiday season. A Poinsettia display is available for all Flower Fields visitors to view in red, green and yellow varieties.

TWENTY/20 at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa:

A complimentary meal will be provided by TWENY/20 at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa to media guests. This will be good for a breakfast or lunch on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. TWENTY/20 is elegantly perched atop Carlsbad’s highest point, providing a gorgeous backdrop to a delightful dining experience.

What: The Flower Fields draws more than 160,000 visitors annually to soak in the

colorful beauty, learn, picnic, listen to live music, take a tractor ride and enjoy

one of the largest flower displays in the world. The expansive experience

includes ranunculus, roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and

poinsettias to name a few. The Flower Fields enters the 2016 season with great

variety and is one of the most beloved spring traditions in Southern California.

02.25.16 The Flower Fields Celebrates The Opening of The 2016 Season

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH® CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE 2016 SEASON

“Color Your World!” on March 1st

CARLSBAD, California –

February 25, 2016. It’s that time of the year again

when 50 acres of colorful ranunculus grace the hillsides of Carlsbad, California with the opening of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®. The season starts next week on March 1st and continues in vibrant color until May 8th!

The Flower Fields draws more than 160,000 visitors annually to soak in the colorful beauty, learn, picnic, listen to live music, take a tractor ride and enjoy one of the largest flower displays in the world. The expansive experience includes ranunculus, roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and poinsettias to name a few. The Flower Fields enters the 2016 season with great variety and is one of the most beloved spring traditions in Southern California.

For the first time, The Flower Fields now offers free Wi-Fi for the convenience of visitors. For tickets, visit our new mobile-friendly website www.theflowerfields.com/get-tickets. For more information, please call 760.431.0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 8, 2016. There are special events on the weekends including live musical performances and photography workshops for all attendees. The Flower Fields

provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $7 for children 3–10 and free for children under 2. Season passes and group tours are

01.19.16 "The 22 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA"

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch consist of close to fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that have transformed the hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular displays of natural color and beauty in the world.

03.17.15 The Flower Fields Media Alert - Get Ready for the 1st Day of Spring on Media Day!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

GET READY FOR THE 1ST DAY OF SPRING!

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH® IS HAVING MEDIA DAY

ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19TH 10:00AM-1:00PM

Media Day Special at The Flower Fields

On March 19th from 10:00am-1:00pm we will provide special media access to The Flower Fields with tractor rides and golf carts. Fred Clark, General Manager of The Flower Fields, Paul Ecke III, Mike Mellano the winner of 2014 Farmer of the Year Awardfrom the San Diego Farm Bureau and Master Gardener Renee Tepper will be available for interviews. To RSVP and for high-res images, contact Angelica Banales at angelica@imwagency.com.

Interviewees:

Fred Clark, General Manager of The Flower Fields

Fred Clark, General Manager of The Flower Fields, states “The Flower Fields are the 8thwonder of the world!” Fred will be available for any questions related to Ranunculus flowers and personal tours.

Paul Ecke III

Paul is a third-generation grower in the San Diego area and oversees the overall experience at The Flower Fields and North 40 urban farm project adjacent to The Flower Fields. His family story stems back to the 1960’s on The Tonight Show with Bob Hope’s Christmas Specials, making Poinsettias a staple in American Christmas’. A Poinsettia display is available for all Flower Fields visitors to view in red, green and yellow varieties. Currently, North 40 Urban Farm, an extension on the North block of The Flower Fields, is in the works. The North 40 Urban Farm will be a unique fully integrated food, beverage, and floral production, processing, distribution, and sales location set in a 43 acre farm inCarlsbad, Californiaadjacent to the I-5. The unique blend of farm environment and urban convenience will provide an opportunity in more than 110,000 square feet of facilities accommodating the Wholesale Floral Trade Center, North 40 Marketplace, Culinary Center, Craft Microbreweries and Wineries for a select group of vendors, processors, and farmers. More information on North 40 Urban Farm can be found on the website atwww.carlsbadnorth40.com.

2014 Farmer of the Year Mike Mellano

Mike Mellano is part of the third generation family-owned Mellano & Company,which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Flower Fields Farm. Mike won the 2014 Farmer of the Year award from the Farm Bureau in San Diego County. In San Diego County the Farm Bureau is the leading advocate for the farm community and works with elected officials, government agencies, educators, the public, and the media. Local Farm Bureau membership reaches well beyond the boundaries of the county. At the state level, the California Farm Bureau Federation serves the county Farm Bureaus as the voice on state issues and works closely with representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation on issues of national importance.

Master Gardener Renee Tepper

Renee Tepper is the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Chairperson. The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, in partnership with The Flower Fields has a demonstration garden for visitors to explore. The 1200 square foot exhibit demonstrates new and innovative garden design trends along with healthy and effective gardening methods researched and verified by the University of California. In conjunction with the current drought situation Southern California is currently experiencing, there is a focus on drought tolerant plants found in the Mediterranean climate.

The Flower Fields is a Great Place for Children

The Flower Fields is committed to providing children with quality education that brings agriculture and gardening into the classroom and out to The Fields. The Seed & Bulb Growing Program has been created for preschool through second grade students to teach them the growing process of either a Ranunculus bulb or Sunflower, while providing a hands-on planting and growing experience and an optional fieldtrip to The Flower Fields for a guided tour of a working Ranunculus farm. Comparable to The Seed & Bulb Growing Program, The Investigative Program has been designed for third through fifth grade students to participate in an on-site program that combines hands-on time with the flowers and various activities to give students a better understanding of plants and flowers. In addition to our student programs, we will be hosting Kids Day featuring Ronald McDonald on March 29th!

Who:The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®

What:With more than 50 acres of flowers from Ranunculus, Roses, Orchids, Sweet Pea Blossoms, Petunias and Poinsettias to name a few, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® enters the 2015 season with even greater color. One of the most beloved spring traditions in Southern California, The Flower Fields draws more than 160,000 visitors annually to soak in the colorful beauty, learn, picnic, listen to live music, shop and enjoy one of the largest flower displays in the world.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 10, 2015. There are several events on the weekends including live musical performances and photography workshops for all attendees. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 60+, $6 for children 3–10 and free for children under 2. Season passes and group tours are also available. For tickets, visit our website www.theflowerfields.com/. For more information, please call 760.431.0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

03.03.15 Spring into the Colors of Nature

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH® CELEBRATES

THE OPENING OF THE 2015 SEASON

“Spring into the Colors of Nature!” on March 1st

The Flower Fields is the perfect place to “Spring into the Colors of Nature” this March-May! The bloom is predicted to come in a more intense and vibrant spectrum of colors than ever before. Take yourself to 50 acres of extraordinary color overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Spend a few hours experiencing a place where kids can run free and parents can enjoy a beautiful day in one of nature’s wonders.

Media Day at The Flower Fields

On March 19th from 10:00am-1:00pm we will provide special group access to The Flower Fields with tractor rides and golf carts. Fred Clark, General Manager of The Flower Fields, and Mike Mellano who won the 2014 Farmer of the Year Award from the San Diego Farm Bureau, will be available for interviews and to answer any questions about The Fields. To RSVP and for high-res images, please call or email Angelica Banales at angelica@imwagency.com.

The Flower Fields is a Great Place for Children

The Flower Fields is committed to providing children with quality education that brings agriculture and gardening into the classroom and out to The Fields. The Seed & Bulb Growing Program has been created for preschool through second grade students to teach them the growing process of either a Ranunculus bulb or Sunflower, while providing a hands-on planting and growing experience and an optional fieldtrip to The Flower Fields for a guided tour of a working Ranunculus farm. Comparable to The Seed & Bulb Growing Program, The Investigative Program has been designed for third through fifth grade students to participate in an on-site program that combines hands-on time with the flowers and various activities to give students a better understanding of plants and flowers. In addition to our student programs, we will be hosting Kids Day featuring Ronald McDonald on March 29th!

Who: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®

What: With more than 50 acres of flowers from Ranunculus, Roses, Orchids, Sweet Pea Blossoms, Petunias and Poinsettias to name a few, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® enters the 2015 season with even greater color. One of the most beloved spring traditions in Southern California, The Flower Fields draws more than 160,000 visitors annually to soak in the colorful beauty, learn, picnic, listen to live music, shop and enjoy one of the largest flower displays in the world.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9am – 6pm from March 1 to May 10, 2015. There are several events on the weekends including live musical performances and photography workshops for all attendees. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides two free parking areas, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 60+, $6 for children 3–10 and free for children under 2. Season passes and group tours are also available. For tickets, visit our website www.theflowerfields.com/get-tickets. For more information, please call 760.431.0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

04.04.14 Sculptures & Canon Photo Contest

Friday, April 4, 2014

THE FLOWER FIELDSAT CARLSBAD RANCH® NEW METALMORPH SCULPTURES

AND CANON PHOTO CONTEST

Carlsbad, California, April 4, 2014

New Sculptures at The Flower Fields

Full bloom in every color imaginable is waiting to be explored at The Flower Fields. In addition to what some may call a photographers paradise for flowers, visitors can also find art. Artists Leslie & Paul Wilton of Metalmorph Sculpture Studio in Escondido, find art in odd places. Avid recyclers, they carry the process to the extreme. They create upcycled metal sculptures from reclaimed and recycled goods. Their building materials are things other people throw out: old washing machines, vacuum cleaners, light fixtures, tools and gadgets.

Inspired by The Flower Fields, Leslie and Paul wanted to create a series of sculptures to celebrate not just Spring, but the entire “Circle of Life.”
They are working on several sculptures, “Spring” is a piece involving buds made from light fixtures. “Hydra” is a large floral sculpture made of propane tanks that signifies the prime of life. The signature piece of the series is “Busy Betina Bee” (above) which was made from many objects, most notably a vintage 1950 desk lamp.

The Flower Fields and Canon have partnered up for a photo and video contest.

We are encouraging visitors to share their experience at The Fields. To enter visitors can upload a photo or video of their visit to The Flower Fields and show us why they deserve the grand prize! There will be 1 weekly winner chosen by the Facebook Community. The highest number of votes wins each week. Voting submissions must be submitted by April 9, 16, 23 & 30. Weekly winners will win 2 season passes to the 2015 Season at The Flower Fields. One grand prize winner will be selected by a panel of judges for a $250 Canon gift card from Oceanside Photo & Telescope.

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County
Announces Opening of Demonstration Garden

Joint Project with Carlsbad Flower Fields will

Help Educate Public on Earth Friendly and Successful Gardening

San Diego, California, February 1, 2014: The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, in partnership with The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, announces the opening of its new demonstration garden, March 1, 2014. Located inside The Flower Fields, at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, the 1200 square foot exhibit will demonstrate new and innovative garden design trends along with healthy and effective gardening methods researched and verified by the University of California. This is the first demonstration garden for the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County and is designed, built, planted, staffed and managed completely by UCCE San Diego County Master Gardener volunteers.

The demonstration garden will show residents of San Diego County researched and tested gardening methods for growing a healthy and successful garden. In addition, vignettes of different gardens will be exhibited such as a square foot garden, a straw bale garden, a pizza garden, an edible front yard, elevated garden and drought tolerant native garden. The demonstration gardens purpose is to show what a home gardener can do in their garden plus address gardening questions regarding earth-friendly pest-management and basic gardening principles and all with the purpose of growing healthy, environmentally-friendly gardens in San Diego County.

According to Renee Tepper, Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Chairperson, “The garden is an important living educational classroom for the San Diego community where they can see innovative planting methods that adhere to the policy of landscape sustainability. As advocates of the Certified Earth Friendly Garden program in San Diego County we want to put theory into practice.”

This joint project began last fall with an inquiry from The Flower Fields. The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County had been investigating locations for a permanent demonstration garden when approached by the Carlsbad Flower Fields and offered space to show their visitors a variety of gardening options which could fit into any home gardeners space. The Flower Fields and demonstration garden will be open daily from March 1, to May 11, 2014 9am to 6pm and will be staffed daily with Certified Master Gardeners to answer questions on the exhibit or general gardening or pest questions.

The University of California (UC) Master Gardener Program extends to the public UC research-based information about home horticulture and pest management. Volunteers are selected and trained by the University of California Cooperative Extension and after certification, Master Gardeners volunteer in the community, educating home gardeners on tested gardening methods.

The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County (MGASDC) is a non-profit organization formed in 1994. Currently, MGASDC has 266 active volunteers who donated over 25,000 volunteer hours in 2012 to help San Diego County residents with their gardening questions. Over the past 5 years MGASDC volunteers have given more than 130,000 hours toward the education of the San Diego County public.

For more information regarding the Master Gardener program, please contact Scott Parker, UCCE MG Coordinator, UCCE San Diego County at 858-822-6932 or SAParker@ucanr.edu.

The Flower Fields® TheFlowerFields.com

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County MasterGardenerSD.org

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County supports the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of San Diego County. The University of California Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person in any of its programs or activities (Complete nondiscrimination policy statement can be found at http://ucanr.org/sites/anrstaff/files/107778.doc). Inquiries regarding ANR’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to Linda Marie Manton, Affirmative Action Contact, University of California, Davis, Agriculture and Natural Resources, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, (530) 752-0495.

What: With more than 50 acres of flowers from ranunculus to roses, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch enters the 2013 season with even greater fan-fare.

One of the most beloved spring traditions in southern California, The Flower Fields draws more than 120,000 visitors annually to soak in the colorful beauty, learn, picnic, shop and enjoy one of the largest flower displays in the world.

About The Flower Fields: The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 to May 12. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides free parking, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors 60+, $6 for children 3 – 10 and children under 2 are free. Season passes and group tours also are available. For more information, please call 760.431.0352 or visitwww.theflowerfields.com.

01.29.2013 Bring It Home to The Flower Fields on March 1

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Flower Fields® officially announces the arrival of spring in Southern California by opening its gates to the public and showcasing its rejuvenated burst of color

CARLSBAD, Calif. – January 29, 2013 – On March 1, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® will open the gates to showcase its ocean-view and 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that have captivated visitors of all ages for the past 60 years. Last year’s enhanced color pattern reinvigorated the guests’ experience, and this year, The Flower Fields pledges to surpass its visitors’ expectations and keep them coming back for more by implementing new and improved floral displays.

For the 2013 spring season, The Flower Fields has introduced its theme, “How to Bring The Flower Fields Back Home.” The Flower Fields will be providing numerous educational sessions to demonstrate how to create and maintain your own field of flowers at home. Also, René van Rems, founder and president of René van Rems International and the newly formed Holland Pacific Floral Training Center, will be facilitating a Floral Design Demonstration & Workshop. Groups of 20 people or more are welcome to partake in this floral design demonstration to learn best practices on how to make fresh-cut flower arrangements and decorate with them.

Looking for something other than ranunculus? Not a problem! The Flower Fields grows a wide variety of flowers alongside its ranunculus, including: roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and poinsettias. In addition to viewing and smelling the flowers, visitors have the option to purchase fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, bulbs and various other items in the Armstrong Garden Center gift shop.

Most significantly, The Flower Fields is committed to providing children with quality education that brings agriculture and gardening into the classroom and out to the fields. As a result, The Seed & Bulb Growing Program has been created for preschool through second grade students to teach them the growing process of either a ranunculus bulb or sunflower, while providing a hands-on planting and growing experience and an optional fieldtrip to The Flower Fields for a guided tour of a working ranunculus farm. Comparable to The Seed & Bulb Growing Program, The Investigative Program has been designed for third through fifth grade students to participate in an on-site program that combines hands-on time with the flowers and various activities to give them a better understanding of plants and flowers.

One of the most cherished spring traditions in San Diego County, The Flower Fields attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually and offers a wide variety of events for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Some of these events include: a special Composting Workshop on Feb. 23; Kids’ Day on April 7; Bluegrass Day on April 13; Zydeco Day on April 14; Jazz Day on April 20; a Canon Macro Photography Workshop on April 21; Blues Day and Red Hat Ladies’ Day and Style Show on April 27; a Bonsai Show and Sale on May 11 – 12; and a Mother’s Day Celebration on May 12, concluding the season.

In addition to the above events, The Flower Fields provides its guests the opportunity to experience its many attractions, including: Antique Tractor Wagon Rides; the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse; The Artist Gardens; the American Flag of Flowers; the Sweet Pea Maze; Santa’s Playground; the Carlsbad Mining Company; the Historic Poinsettia Display; the new Sculpture “Blow, Wind, Blow” by Fritzie Urquhart; and a Water Wise Farming Expo from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

The Flower Fields gives its visitors more than merely beautiful fields of color and top-of-the-line entertainment; it gives them a magical place to tie the knot, plan a corporate gathering or host a special event in its Paul Ecke Jr. Barn, appropriately named after the owner. Its newly built barn nestled among the flowers can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Flower Fields is open to the public from 9 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT from March 1 to May 12. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides free parking, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children 3 – 10, and free for children 2 and under. Season passes and group tours also are available. For more information, please call: 760-431-0352; visit our website at:www.theflowerfields.com; like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theflowerfields; follow us on Twitter at:www.twitter.com/TheFlowerFields; find us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/theflowerfields.